Journal de jeansie, 11 déc. 08

Congratulations! That is expensive rent! I guess I've lived in Oregon so long I lost track of how expensive it is in some places. Your rent is more than 2/3rds of our morgage, but when I lived in Santa Cruz, CA I paid $650 per month (my half) to SHARE a studio apartment. THAT was ridiculous. I had forgotten how expensive that is. Well, I hope you enjoy it. :) I'm really happy for you.  

Thanks, Sara! Yeah, California rent is insane. But I love California, so it doesn't matter! Plus, money is money. I'm supporting the economy by spending it :) 

My rent for a one room tiny place in West L.A. 14 years ago was $525 near the V.A. Hospital in Los Angeles. Not far from Santa Monica. Great location. Near the San Diego freeway. I lived there during the Northridge quake - thankfully on the upper floor of the two story building. Now I'm in a rent controlled type place. My rent is nearly the same - but Massachusetts ranked #1 as highest rents in the nation - my town is a hot destination for artists and bohemian types. I'm a writer - trying to be anyway. I was born here. $1200 plus isn't unheard of for even a dumpy place. No housing crisis here yet - prices haven't slumped dramatically here as of now. This area is very hot for some reason. I'd rather be in Hawaii or somewhere warm in the winter at least. This is my first winter since 1995 I'm actually finding it tolerable probably because I'm on adequate pain meds. The diet is going OK. Low carb works for sure!!! :) 

Rent prices are staying steady (and in some places going up) because of the economy going down. So in some respects it is a bad idea to start renting now, as it is more expensive, but it is definitely time for me to be out on my own! Low carb definitely works :D I love it.